Professional[edit]

Following his first NHL training camp in September 2006, Backes was reassigned to the Rivermen, remaining in the AHL for the start of the 2006–07 season. Several months into the campaign, he was called up by the Blues and played his first NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 19, 2006. Forty-four seconds into the game, Backes registered his first NHL point, a second-assist on a Doug Weight goal, giving the Blues a 1–0 lead. St. Louis went on to win the game 4–1, while Backes recorded 10 minutes of ice time.[3] The following game two days later, Backes scored his first NHL goal 10 minutes and 47 seconds into the first period versus the Los Angeles Kings. The goal came on a backhand shot past Kings goaltender Dan Cloutier, helping the Blues to a 5–2 win.[4] A month into his initial stint with the Blues, he was reassigned to the Rivermen on January 21, 2007, for three days, after which he was recalled. Spending the remainder of the season with St. Louis, he completed his rookie season with 23 points (10 goals and 13 assists) in 49 games, while also recording 13 points (10 goals and 3 assists) in 31 games with Peoria. Among NHL rookies who had played at least half the season, Backes ranked 13th in points-per-game at .47.[5]

Backes with the Blues in 2011.

In 2007–08, he completed his first full season in the NHL, improving to 31 points (13 goals and 18 assists). Becoming a restricted free agent in the off-season, Backes signed a three-year, US$7.5 million offer sheet with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1, 2008. The Blues quickly matched the offer, keeping Backes in St. Louis through the 2010–11 season.[6] With a new contract, Backes tallied 54 points, including a career-high 31 goals, in 2008-09, finishing second behind winger Brad Boyes among Blues scorers.[7] He added 165 penalty minutes while playing in all 82 games for the first time in his career. During the season, he scored a career-high four goals on April 2, 2009, in a 5-4 win over the Detroit Red Wings.[8] Backes' efforts helped the Blues reach the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Matching up against the Vancouver Canucks in the first round, the Blues were swept in four games. Backes recorded a goal and two assists in that span.

In 2009-10, Backes' offensive production decreased to 17 goals and 31 assists for 48 points in 79 games. Following the retirement of Keith Tkachuk in the off-season, Backes took on the role of the alternate captain for 2010–11, the last season of his contract. A month into the campaign, on November 12, 2010, Backes signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension, keeping him with St. Louis through the 2015-16 season.[9] Leading the Blues in scoring midway through the season, he was named to his first NHL All-Star Game in 2011.[10] As the NHL adopted a draft to determine the teams for the first year, Backes was selected by Team Staal 33rd overall among 36 players. He recorded three assists in a losing effort, as Team Lidstrom won 11–10. Backes completed the season matching his personal best total of 31 goals, while adding 31 assists for a career-high and team-leading 62 points over 82 games. With a +32 rating, Backes came within one point of leading the league in plus-minus, behind Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara.

Late in the 2010–11 season, Blues captain Eric Brewer had been traded away to the Tampa Bay Lightning, leaving the leadership position vacant for the remainder of the campaign. During the off-season, on September 9, 2011, Backes was chosen to succeed Brewer, becoming the 20th captain in team history.[11] He scored 24 goals to go with 30 assists in 82 games played during the 2011–12 NHL season.

International play[edit]

Following his rookie NHL season, Backes was named to the United States' national team for the 2007 IIHF World Championship. He played in 7 games, contributing a goal, 2 assists and 6 penalty minutes, as the U.S. finished in 5th place. He again suited up for Team USA at the 2008 IIHF World Championship, contributing an assist and 35 penalty minutes over 6 games as the U.S. finished 6th. Competing for a third consecutive year at the World Championships in 2009, Backes registering a goal and 4 assists in 9 games. The U.S. placed 4th, losing to Sweden 4-2 in the bronze medal game.

On January 1, 2010, Backes was named to the United States' roster for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He recorded a goal and two assists over six games, helping the United States to the gold medal game. They were defeated 3-2 by Canada in overtime, earning silver.

On January 1, 2014, Backes was named to the United States's roster for the 2014 Winter Olympics along with St. Louis teammates Kevin Shattenkirk and T. J. Oshie.[12] Although the U.S. team did not win a medal, the forward played in six games, scored three goals, had one assist, and four points - while accumulating six penalty - minutes in Sochi.

Off the ice[edit]

Backes got his private pilot license in 2012. He has flown many planes. He is currently pursuing an applied organizational studies degree with a nonprofit leadership emphasis from Minnesota State and was formerly studying to become an electrical engineer.[13]

He is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. Together with his wife, Kelly, he is highly active in animal rescue efforts and pet adoption drives.[14] In November 2013 they founded Athletes for Animals, "a united team of professional athletes with a shared passion for rescuing and protecting the welfare of homeless pets nationwide."